The candidate will be a distinguished leader whose body of professional and/or personal accomplishments in fields not limited to education, health care, ministry, civic life, social services and commerce reflect the highest values, mission and ideals of St. Jerome’s University.
Information for
The Chancellor John R. and Kay Sweeney Award for Catholic Leadership
Events
The Chancellor John R. and Kay Sweeney Award for Catholic Leadership was established in 2001, to honour the contributions of Catholic leaders and institutions in Canada, and to recognize the ongoing need for a Catholic presence and voice in shaping future leaders and engaging in the challenging issues facing the world today.
Originally named in honour of the first lay Chancellor of St. Jerome’s University, John R. Sweeney, the award was renamed in 2022 to also honour the life and contributions of Kay Sweeney alongside her husband. John and Kay were exemplary Catholic leaders and embodied St. Jerome’s values of love, truth, and justice, and the formation of leaders for service to the Church and the world.
The John R. and Kay Sweeney Award for Catholic Leadership is presented annually at our Feast of St. Jerome Liturgy and Dinner in the fall.
Award Nomination Criteria
Nomination Procedure
St. Jerome’s University welcomes nominations from anyone familiar with the work, character and/or achievements of the award candidate.
To nominate an individual for the Chancellor John R. Sweeney and Kay Sweeney Award for Catholic Leadership, please complete and submit an online nomination form. Nominations received after the deadline will be considered in the following year.
Selection Procedure
- Call for nominations continues throughout the year. Friends, family, colleagues, staff and faculty members, alumni, and community members may nominate award candidates.
- All nominations will be reviewed by the Selection Committee who will then select the award recipient.
- The award recipient will be notified following the selection process.
- The John R. and Kay Sweeney Award for Catholic Leadership is presented at our Feast of St. Jerome Liturgy and Dinner in the fall.
Past Recipients
- Sister Marie Taylor, SSND
- The Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, OMI, Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton, Ontario
- Steven Lubczuk
- Rob Way
- Right Honourable Paul Martin
- Dr. Jack Sehl
- Isabel Uriarte Latorre and Victor Rojas
- Dr. Donna Ward
- Frank Clifford Sr.
- Bruce Rodrigues
- Sr. Joan Cronin, g.s.i.c.
- Senator Noel Kinsella
- Fr. Bernie Hayes, C.R.
- John Milloy, MPP
- Craig Kielburger
- Rev. Dr. James McConica, C.S.B.
- School Sisters of Notre Dame (Canadian Province)
- Margaret Visser
- The Honourable Allen J. MacEachen
- Fr. Jacques Monet, S.J.
- Congregation of the Resurrection (Ontario-Kentucky Province)
Do you have a candidate in mind for one of these awards?
Recognize the achievements of outstanding community members and alumni by completing and submitting the online nomination form.
For further information about our award programs or nominations, please send your enquiries to awards@sju.ca.
